Burras talent enters 2024 National Men's Development Squad

The Men’s National Development Squad (NDS) is gearing up for an exciting 2024, expanding with the addition of four new spots in anticipation of a monumental year, highlighted by the Olympic Games in Paris.

In the 2024 squad, players hailing from seven states take the spotlight, with five representing Victoria, four from WA, three from NSW and ACT, and two each from South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania.

Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch has demonstrated his openness to drawing talent from the NDS, with Davis Atkin, Hayden Beltz, Anand Gupte, Ben Staines, and Ash Thomas all making their debuts for the senior national side this year.

Ash Thomas, NSW goalkeeper, showcased incredible determination, spending six years in the NDS since his selection in 2017, before earning a spot in the senior national squad for 2024 after his impressive Kookaburras appearances.

The recent Junior World Cup and Sultan of Johor tournaments were a stage for under-21 players to shine, with standout performances from Cooper Burns, Nathan Czinner, Cam Geddes, Oliver Higgins, and Liam Henderson catching Batch's eye and earning them a place in the NDS for the first time.

Mitch Nicholson, the Brisbane Blaze goalie, reclaims his spot in the NDS, backed by his impressive Hockey One season where his shootout heroics secured the 2023 title for his team.

Ben Staines from Canberra Chill also maintains his position in the NDS for 2024, building on his debut Kookaburras appearances and a stellar Hockey One season where he finished as the equal third top goal scorer with seven goals.

The NDS athletes undergo training at their respective National Training Centres (NTCs) under the guidance of NAPP coaches. Exceptional performers may receive invitations to train with the Kookaburras in Perth as part of Visiting Athlete Agreements (VAAs).